MoDOT to increase speed along portion of route Y in Pettis County

Highway Patrol reminds drivers to watch for students

Democrat Staff

Traffic engineers with the Missouri Department of Transportation recently completed a speed study along state Route Y in Pettis County. According to a MoDOT news release, they are recommending a speed increase from 45 miles per hour to 55 miles per hour between Quisenberry Road and Camp Brand/Dresden Road.

Crews installed signs Monday. The speed limit remains the same until all signs are posted.

As the 2016-17 school year starts in Pettis County this week, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to pay attention every time they are behind the wheel, but especially before and after school when children are walking, biking, or driving to school.

The start of school brings a change in traffic patterns and it is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. Whatever route citizens drive, they should expect additional traffic from school buses and parents taking children to school and prepare by allowing extra time to reach their destination.

Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) in 2015 occurred between 3 and 4 p.m. when school typically lets out, according to a MSHP news release. Drivers should be aware of the increased traffic during this time, not just in areas around school, but all around town. MSHP reminds drivers that many young drivers are inexperienced and that it is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. Texting is against the law for anyone under the age of 22.

Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers should stay alert when they see a stopped school bus, as children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.

In 2015, one person was killed and 376 people were injured in school bus crashes. Missouri experienced 960 traffic crashes involving school buses last year. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.